Now that Flutter Magazine is out with all 12 looks I thought it would be fun to share some additional photos from the shoot. This look is Libra and I was inspired by Gwyenth Paltrow’s style, really simple, modern and timeless. For the dress I used a body hugging Nicole Miller dress and paired it with a Waxing Poetic chain.

A simple jeweled band was used instead of a veil.

A sparkly bag (vintage, J.Crew) and a modern engagement ring from 33 Jewels.

For the hair and makeup, loose curls and daring red lips added a hint of retro glamour to the look.

For Gemini, I was inspired Marilyn Monroe and I choose a sexy mermaid gown by Lee Ann Belter.

Paired with BHLDN’s seaspray veil and vintage white earrings, the look had a little nod to the 60′s.

For Leo, I was inspired by Jackie O. The textured wedding gown and lace tip veil where a nod’s to Jackie’s wedding style. I used a Watter’s ballgown (the dress has pockets people!) and paired it with BHLDN’s scalloped lace fingertip veil and insane vintage pearls from the 1920′s from 33 Jewels.

Seriously, can you stand the clasp on this necklace! I’ll be sharing more of the looks throughout the week, so stay tuned for the remaining 9 looks.

More Inspiration:

I’m so excited to show a 12 look bridal style series I shot for Flutter Magazine. Inspired by the signs of the zodiac, each look was modeled after the charateristics of each sign.

Here is my sign, Scorpio. Since Scorpio’s are mysterious, I styled this pink dress by Ivy & Aster with black vintage jewelry and a skinny black belt.

For her hair, Noelle and I went with an updated version of a french twist.

For the scene, we had the model walk along the top of a wall at the incredible Sunstone Villa. To see the eleven other looks, check out the Flutter Magazine’s Astrology Bride right here. And 3 other bloggers are featuring looks from the shoot on their blogs today:

Snippet & Ink is featuring Gemini here.

The Sweetest Occasion is featuring Aires here.

Grey Likes is featuring Virgo here.

Better yet, a PRINT version of the magazine will be in two weeks and will be distributed with The Sentinel and available at select boutiques. A big thank you to all the vendors who participated, I couldn’t have done it with out you!

More Inspiration:

Today I’m excited  to be sharing this understated, but oh-so-elegance editorial by Elisa B Photography. The couple, Nicole & Thomas wed in Viriginia and then met their photographer in France for a post-wedding photo shoot. Delphine Manivet provided the dress and veil for this romantic shoot.

An elegant long veil edged with delicate lace compliments the simple wedding dress.

The beautiful Tuleries Gardens of Paris makes for an utterly timeless backdrop.

The newlyweds also visited the love locks of the Parisian bridge, Pont de l’Archevêché.

Nicole wears a messy and simple chignon that captures Paris’ elegant, but not fussy vibe.

And how could a Parisian shoot not include a vespa? A special thanks to Elisa for sharing this trés chic editorial with us!

More Inspiration:

I love the etheral, yet structural nature of Vera Wang’s dresses. This one, from Vera’s Fall 2011 collection features a stunning one-shoulder design and organic pleating. I love it.

I also love her recent showcase of colored wedding dresses, this one in a soft dove gray ball gown is ever so romantic. Which one is your fav?

More Inspiration:

Today’s Escape to... post is a very special one ideed. There’s nothing I love more than a destination wedding that takes place at a gorgeous European estate, and Chateau de Montplaisant near Lyon, France is no exception! The origins of this property date back to the 15th century as the home of Antoine de Loras, the Lord of Montplaisant; the current incarnation is the result of various owners since. Yet, what makes this estate and post so special is the intimate connection that bride and groom Aude & Gilles have to this region of France and the wedding details that followed suit. In the words of wedding photographer, Mademoiselle Fiona:

“Aude & Gilles have been living in Los Angeles for several years and are originally from Lyon, France. They got married at the Chateau de Montplaisant, a beautiful estate near their hometown. The style of their wedding was truly the result of the bride’s vision and creativity. As a designer, she even handmade a few details herself. I loved her ballerina wedding gown and her bridesmaids’ tutus. Earlier in the day, Aude also wore a gorgeous traditional pink sari, in honor of her mother-in-law Sri Lankese heritage. I’ve rarely seen such a handsome groom and such a graceful bride!”

As a designer herself, the bride chose a stunning Monique Lhuillier satin mermaid gown with detachable ‘ballerina’ tulle skirt…perfect for the the ceremony to reception scene change.

The ceremony itself took place in an old chapel near to the estate, followed by the reception back on the Chateau grounds.

The best part about French chateau weddings? All the gorgeous architectural details that make for the perfect wedding portrait backdrops. Makes you wonder how many couple throughout time have stood on that balcony and embraced in a kiss. If only the walls could talk!

And what chateau wedding would be complete without a vintage car to drive off as husband and wife?!

Before heading into dinner, adult guests enjoyed cocktails while younger attendees indulged in treats from a local ice cream cart.

The reception florals and decor captured the essence of the chateau’s garden, infused with colors of green, pink and white…the perfect final ode to a place the bride and groom hold so dear.

***

Being a destination wedding, Chateau de Montplaisant offered more than just the wedding celebration location. Just minutes to hiking, sailing, biking, tennis and horseback riding, not to mention the medieval town of Bourg en Bresse, there were a million must-see spots that surely kept out-of-town guests busy for days before and after the big event. Staying at the chateau, here are my picks for the best in where and what you should eat/see while in Bresse:

Eat: La Fleur de Sel … known for simple farm to table fare, and friendly service, La Fleur de Sel is a must stop on your trip into town. Be sure to try the munkfish rissotto and creme brulee.

See: Royal Monastery of Brou … Beyond the gorgeous countryside, the Royal Monastery is a breathtaking example of the traditional Gothic style churches seen all throughout Europe. What makes this location so special is that it was built as a token of love by the Duchess Margaret of Austria to her husband, the Duke of Savoy in the early 16th century. A museum in also located on the property, and guests can take self guided tours throughout the location, daily.

Congratulations Aude and Gilles! Until next time…

xo ~Cynthia

More Inspiration:

Are you ready for one seriously gorgeous and intimate wedding? Held at the always stunning San Ysidro Ranch, this wedding’s design was inspired by the beautiful gardens that make up the grounds of the property.

The bride carried a stunning bouquet of pink peonies, dahlias and garden roses (all my favorites!) by Florette Designs and wore a stunning dress by Vera Wang.

Paper goods were kept simple and elegant and are from Etsy. Escort cards designed by Lazaro Press were little tags that were tied to a vintage ladder.

For the reception, the outdoors were brought inside with more gorgeous blooms (I can’t get over the size of these peonies) tucked into mercury glass containers. A big thank you to Joy for sharing this gorgeous affair with us and to Jose Villa for the beautiful photos!

More Inspiration:

I’m loving today’s thoroughly feminine wedding editorial created by Toast Events and photographed by Elisa B Photography. The dip dyed silk ribbon of the bouquet paired with lavender and white garden roses is ever so romantic.

A floral headpiece, a seersucker bow tie, a field of flowers… perfection.

The tabletop design continues the soft garden look with a slightly French feel. Upholstered chairs, elegant etched glassware and a table set with delicate scalloped china from Anthropologie feels effortless and timeless. Thanks Elisa for sharing these lovely images!

More Inspiration: